Editor's Top 7 Picks

Well-liked Westminster budget hotel near SkyTrain and river with restaurant & comfy beds

Pros

Free Wi-Fi

Many described the rooms as very clean with comfortable beds

Guests found this hotel affordable and good value

Guests found the staff pleasant and informative

Many reviewers found the location convenient for accessing the SkyTrain and restaurants

Cons

Public parking is $10 a day

Some guests felt inconvenienced to have to walk a ways to the parking lot

A few guests complained of noise disturbances from within and outside of the hotel

The smoke-free Met sounds like a real gem due to the value it provides and it's only 5 minutes from the hospital. There are a lot of raving fans online who are thrilled with just about everything about this hotel. It's located in a heritage building nearby to many amenities (pharmacy, Starbucks, sushi and cabs at the door), it has friendly and personable staff, clean rooms, comfortable beds and a restaurant that serves good food on site. Wi-Fi is free and parking is an extra $10 in a lot across the street. Select rooms come with a mini-fridge and microwave. What's all the fuss about? At $63 a night, it's easily half the price of a regular hotel room. Just a note of caution: noise can be a negative factor from the on-site bar, train whistles and the nearby SkyTrain, so bring your ear plugs if you're a light sleeper. :-)

Several guests felt that the hotel's carpets, windows and pool area could use upgrading

The smoke-free Chelsea Inn is another hotel that would be a suitable choice for those needing to access the Royal Columbian hospital, only a 3-minute drive away. It's a little more expensive than the Met, but offers a free breakfast with some hot items (pancakes, sausages and hard boiled eggs), plus free parking. Guests say that it's extremely clean, the beds are very comfortable and the staff are very helpful and friendly. Rooms are tastefully decorated, according to guests, and come with mini-fridges and microwaves. Some guests have suggested getting a room at the back of the hotel to avoid street noise from Brunette Avenue.

Modern hotel near to restaurants in downtown Burnaby with good rates and outdoor pool

Pros

Free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, free parking

Most reviewers were pleased with the hotel's location in relation to the SkyTrain, restaurants, and shopping

Several guests had positive experiences with the hotel's staff

The free breakfast was a source of many compliments by lodgers

Guests are offered free vouchers for the Steve Nash Fitness Club across the street

Cons

Some guest complained of noise transfer during their stay

A few guests were disappointed with their rooms

The smoke-free Kings Inn at Burnaby makes for another budget-friendly and pleasant stay, but it's a 14-minute drive away from the New Westminster hospital. According to guests, it has good-sized rooms that are clean and come with fridges. The staff receive lots of praise from reviewers who say they are very helpful. Parking, Wi-Fi and a well-liked hot breakfast is provided free and there's an Asian restaurant next door that someone described as generous and delicious. The hotel is not accessible to wheelchairs and guests have advised choosing rooms at the back of the hotel away from Kingsway, plus rooms that are not adjoining, to avoid noise transfer.

Popular Coquitlam hotel near SkyTrain with outdoor pool, restaurant and free massage

Pros

Free amenities: Wi-Fi, wired Internet, area shuttle, 15-min massage

Many guests found clean and comfortable rooms

The location was convenient to the highway, the SkyTrain, restaurants and shopping

Guests typically considered the hotel to provide good value

Many enjoyed the breakfast on site (not free)

Cons

Parking is $8.50 per day

Occasionally guests complained of noise transfer from other guests and the Foggy Dew pub which is attached

The staff received mixed reviews overall from guests

Several guests complained that the pool, sauna and hot tub did not open until 10 am

Location

On North Road near to the Lougheed Highway, the Executive Plaza is a 5-minute drive straight down North Road southbound to the hospital.

Getting Around: Public Transit

The fastest public transit route takes 10 minutes to the hospital. Also traveling southbound on North Road, guests can catch the C9 bus about a 3-minute walk from the hotel. This bus stops within a minute's walk of the hospital.

The staff were frequently complimented for their friendly and helpful service

Several guests thought that the in-room kitchenettes were well equipped

A few reviewers found the location convenient for accessing downtown Vancouver by car or public transit

Cons

Many guests were disappointed by the selection at the free breakfast

A couple of reviewers thought that the neighbourhood immediately surrounding the hotel did not appear safe

Location

The Happy Day Inn is a motel-style property on a commercial street about an 8-minute drive from the hospital.

Getting Around: Public Transit

For a total travel time of approximately 26 minutes, guests can catch the #106 bus outside the hotel (a 2-minute walk) and transfer to the #155 at Sixth Ave. (1-minute walk), which takes them to the hospital (1-minute walk from last stop).

Money-saving

A specific hospital rate is not offered through this hotel, but they are willing to negotiate on the price to get you the best deal.

Popular New Westminster hotel on the Fraser River boardwalk with great views and balconies

Pros

Free amenities: Wi-Fi, local calls

Many guests described their rooms as clean and well appointed

Many reviewers were happy with the pleasant views of the river from their room

The staff were frequently complimented for their friendly and helpful service

Many guests found the location convenient for accessing downtown destinations on foot

Many reviewers praised the food at the on-site restaurant

Wi-Fi was rated as very good overall by reviewers

Cons

Underground parking is $13 per 24 hours, including tax

A few guests thought the rooms were a little dated

Some complained of hearing neighbours or trains

Location

Situated on the Fraser River Boardwalk, adjacent to the River Market (farmer-style market with restaurants), the Inn at the Quay is a 7-minute drive from the hospital.

Getting Around: Public Transit

The route that requires the least amount of walking (3 minutes overall) involves a transfer. The initial bus (C8) is caught right at the Inn. The transfer is made at E Sixth Avenue (involves a 1-minute walk) to the #155 bus, which travels to within a minutes' walk from the doors of the hospital.

Many guests felt the service was exceptional and that the staff went above and beyond

The breakfast was favourable and many guests felt the selection and quality was great

Many guests were impressed with the general state of the rooms and descibed them as well-kept and clean

According to many reviewers, the hotel was conveniently located to restaurants, shops and attractions

Cons

One guest had an isolated noise complaint

Location

On a beautiful tree-lined residential street near Deer Lake Park, this bed and breakfast is a 13-minute drive from the hospital.

Getting Around: Public Transit

A 6-minute walk from the hotel on Canada Way is the bus stop for route #123, connecting to #155 at E Sixth Ave., which drops guests about a 1-minute walk from the hospital. Total travel time is approximately 43 minutes.

Tips For Staying Near Royal Columbian Hospital

Location

Located in New Westmnister, on the Northern shores of the Fraser River, the Royal Columbian Hospital is the busiest hospital run by the Fraser Health Authority. It provides trauma and cardiac care, and operates a 24-hour emergency room.

The Trans-Canada Highway 1 is a 5-minute drive from the hospital and downtown New Westminster is 6 minutes away by car. Nearby, Burnaby is a 20-minute drive while Coquitlam is a 15-minute drive away. The Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a 30-minute drive from the hospital.

The Sapperton Skytrain Station is a 5-minute walk from the hospital and operated by British Columbia Regional Transit Company. Buses throughout the area are also run by TransLink and most of the below hotels are accessible by bus. Single fares within the single zone are $2.50, but go up when travelling through fare zones. For fare zones and route information, visit their website.

Metered parking lots are available in lots surrounding the hospital and take coins only. Rates vary depending on the length of stay, but are free for vehicles prominently displaying their BC Council certified handicapped pass.

The Best Western Coquitlam and Met Hotels offer a medical rate for guests visiting Royal Columbian Hospital. A letter of appointment may be required and rooms are based on availability.To receive the rate, guests must book directly with the hotel.